US Bridges

SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5

Good

Whatcom County, Washington · JCT I-5 · Structure no. 0014656A0000000

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
205 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
31,813
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5 is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5 in Whatcom County, Washington. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 31,813 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 46,349 by 2039. The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 542 (sunset Dr)
CrossesI-5
LocationJCT I-5
RouteState Highway 542
CountyWhatcom County
StateWashington
Coordinates48.77089, -122.46383
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length205 ft (62.5 m)
Longest span104 ft (31.7 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.8 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic31,813 (2023)
Projected traffic46,349 by 2039
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.7 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5 built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5 carry?

About 31,813 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5?

The structure is 205 ft (62.5 m) long with a longest span of 104 ft (31.7 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns SR 542 (sunset Dr) over I-5?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.